Hawaiian rain to most visitors means a light afternoon shower quickly chased by rainbows. Oahu’s south shore with Waikiki and most of Oahu’s hotels receive most of its rain from occasional winter storms. Rain waters Windward Oahu's abundant greenery and tropical flowers almost daily, usually beginning at night with loud drumming on tin roofs. By afternoon, the sun almost always appears. Because of Oahu's microclimates, the rain may pour in once place, while the sun shines in another, just minutes away. Even if it rains all day at Waikiki or an island-wide storm hits, you don't need to let rain wash out your vacation.

Underwater Discoveries

Snorkelers can't see much marine life when raindrops muddle clarity near the surface, but divers can, and so can anyone aboard the Waikiki Atlantis Submarine (atlantisadventures.com). The coast guard-approved and eco-sensitive line of subs take visitors from Waikiki to a dive site near Diamond Head where sharks, rays, turtles and tropical fish swim into view. The sub dives below 100 feet, is air-conditioned, and the more-spacious, newer models provide seats with backs, replacing bench seats. Children must be at least 36 inches tall to ride, and everyone must be able to climb a seven-step ladder.

The Waikiki Aquarium (waquarium.org) provides an inexpensive way for people of all sizes and abilities to view Oahu's aquatic creatures, even on rainy days. The indoor exhibits at the marine research and educational facility provides close-up views of sharks, live coral, jellyfish and more. Weather the rain to view the Hawaiian monk seal and other outdoor exhibits.

Rainy Day Gardens

A garden is likely not a destination that comes to mind when planning rainy day activities, but remember, this is Hawaii -- where sea-level daytime temperatures average 78 to 85 Fahrenheit. Spy tiny frogs in miniature ponds cradled by bromelaids. Enjoy the beauty and soothing sound of water splashing on leaves of ti, banana and ginger. If the sky is lightly overcast, bring a camera to take advantage of the even lighting. If it pours, toss on a lightweight rain poncho or pop open an umbrella, which are sold and lent at many gardens.

The eldest of Honolulu Botanical Gardens, Foster Garden (co.honolulu.hi.us), in the city of Honolulu has abundant canopy provided by trees such as koa that have had over a century to grow. Enjoy its impressive collection of tropical plants, including orchids. On the North Shore at Waimea Valley Historical Nature Park (waimeavalley.net), banyan and monkeypod trees canopy large areas, rare Hawaiian plants and archaeological sites abound, and the lovely Waimea Falls can be viewed, rain or shine.

Outdoors Shopping Under Cover

Spending rainy time rather than sunny beach time shopping for Hawaiian clothing, gifts and souvenirs may be a no-brainer, but you needn't close yourself off from fresh island air to do so. Under the tarps of any of Oahu's dozens of farmers' markets, select hand-made crafts and scrumptious foods. Island-wide Honolulu County, along with the city of Honolulu, operates the People’s Open Markets Program (honolulu.gov), providing 25 farmers’ markets. Kapioloni Community College’s Saturday Farmers’ Market (kcc.hawaii.edu) offers a huge variety of foods, all Hawaii produced.

Under the roofs of one of the world's largest open-air shopping centers, Ala Moana Center (alamoanacenter.com), nearly 300 shops and restaurants await you. If the sun breaks out, keep in mind Ala Mona Beach Park is across the street. There's also the International Marketplace (internationalmarketplacewaikiki.com), a Wakiki landmark since the 1950s when Don the Beachcomber held court from his tree house in the big banyan that still towers over the ocean-scented and breezy courtyard. For shopping transportation, hop aboard the Waikiki Trolley's (waikikitrolley.com) Pink Line.

Exploring Hawaiian Culture, History and Natural Science

Every big city has cultural attractions to enjoy when you don't want to be outside in the rain, but Honolulu has one in particular that will enrich your visit: Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum (bishopmuseum.org). The Bishop Museum holds collections of 24 million cultural objects and natural history specimens of Hawaii and Polynesia. “Please touch” exhibits bring history to life. Planetarium shows, dancers and musicians tells the stories of Hawaii. Hawaii's culture-science connections come to life in the museum's Science Adventure Center with its interactive exhibits, including a three-story walk-through volcano and 30,000-gallon aquarium.

References

About the Author

Cindy Blankenship, a California native, began reporting in 1996 for the Grants Pass Daily Courier after teaching in Hawaii where she lived 14 years. As assistant editor at the Rogue River Press, she wrote and edited several stories that earned awards from the Oregon Newspaper Publishers Association. Her writing appears in numerous publications.